Cute Things Kids Say

So, it worked out that I am teaching first grade (all day) and kindergarten (just in afternoon) this year. Even though I've taught for two days now, my mind still involuntarily says, "Yikes!" It's not that I think I am incapable. I wouldn't do it if I felt I would be damaging children in any way. I could write an essay on how I know God prepared me and put me in that classroom. It's just that it's a big change from what I was teaching: Junior and Senior High English and History. It's also a big change from what I expected to be doing: substituting part time.

Now--at the end of day two--I am finding much to enjoy about this age group. One of the best things is the cute things they say.

At the beginning assembly the administrator says, "You all are taller and tanner..."
One of my little ones (who is African-American) points to his elbow and says, "...and blacker."
The administrator continues, "You may be feeling a bit rusty..."
He replies, "No, I was just oiled this morning."

Back in my classroom, I explain to the kids that I am going to have a baby. Of course one kiddo must ask, "How's the baby get out?"
"We're not going to talk about that." I think I'm moving on, but...
The other kiddos chime in, "I know!" "I know!" "I know!"
My eyes get big thinking about what the curious kiddo's mom and dad will say about he learned in first grade today, "No, no, no, we're not going to talk about that now!"

We have one little pre-kindergarten student who joins us in the afternoon. Her mom just had a baby in May. She walks right up to me, pats my tummy, and says "Is this your baby?"

I asked the question, "What kind of teacher do you want?"
First grade student replies, "I want you and your baby!"

I was also called the "bestest" and the "beautifulest." Getting a good response, the student continued, "I'll pick you a flower!" Of course, this was echoed by another student who was hoping to earn brownie points. Despite the poor motivation, I loved it! (I hate to admit it, but one of these kiddos just thinks I'm the best teacher because I had them make snacks on the first day of school. The way to a kid's heart...)

I am one hundred percent sure that I've missed hearing other cute sayings. I am also pretty sure I'm forgetting something. Oh well!

The bestest and beautifulest,

Jordon or "Mrs. Hoover" or "Mrs. Hoopner" (I think that's what he called me.)

Stamina

This one might be short, but I just thought I'd get you thinking like I am. I keep bumping into the idea of stamina, and I am thinking I might not have much of it anywhere.

The first place I ran into the idea of stamina was in my baby delivery research. I'll need stamina during labor. I'm planning on using the Bradley Method, and the books I'm reading make the point that I need to build up stamina by exercising regularly. I'm struggle at even getting in a walk everyday, but I'll work on it.

The second place I ran into the idea of stamina was in the new reading program the school (where I am again working--long story, tell you later). One of the most important parts of the program is building up the kids' stamina for reading.

The third place was from the mouth of one of my co-workers. He was talking about how to listen to God. He made the point that in our busy world, we need to build up stamina in being still.

I can't make any deep connections except that I need to have more stamina...and consistency...and perseverance.

A bajillion other things are going on in life right now, but I'm not ready to blog about it all yet. I haven't had time to sort out my thoughts because I'm just keeping up.

I will tell you this...I am being kicked right now :)

Blessings,

Jordon

Blessed!

I've been feeling like I need to blog, but I've not had many deep thoughts lately, just happy thoughts. It has been a long time since I've felt so content and happy in my life.

Back in February, I remember riding with my parents in their van to my nephew's birthday party and asking them if there are ever times in life when a person is completely happy or is there always a crisis? I was being a little overly dramatic and depressing as a result of hormones and finding out that I was not pregnant. I thought that once Ryan came home I'd get pregnant and be happy. My parents reassured me of what I already knew: a person has to choose to be happy.

Yes, happiness is a choice, but ... having a baby growing inside of me is helping more than I even imagined.

I don't feel like every part of my life is perfect, but I feel content in every part of my life and hopeful for even better things.

I'm vain so I'm going to start with my face. I am back to a normal (for me) amount of acne, and although I have terrible scars, I am seeing them start to fade already. It was just terribly crushing to have that pain and ugliness on my face. Whether it should have or not, it did detract from my happiness in other areas of my life.

My home is cute and all I need. I have hope that someday soon-ish we will be able to afford a nice home on a few acres where Ryan and I can teach our kids the joys and responsibilities of taking care of animals.

My ministries are right where I know God wants me. I currently serve on the school board of the small Christian school where I taught for the past four years. The school faces it's challenges, but I am so pleased to be a part of a Christ-centered school. I have hope that if we continue to be faithful, He will be faithful. I also work as a youth leader at our church. I have seen the kids grow and the group grow. We have plenty of room to grow more, but I have hope that God will help us.

My marriage to Ryan is very close to perfect. Seriously. I'm not just saying that because he reads my blog. We are best friends and rarely even disagree. I know baby will add some challenges, but baby will also add blessings.

And last, but not least...actually last and most....

My baby is already the source of the most joy in my life, and I have lots of hope that he or she will continue to be a blessing!

I'm happy! I'm content! I am just enjoying this wonderful phase in my life.

I am hoping you are feeling the same way about your life.

Jordon